The destruction of the Death Star by the Rebel Alliance was a decisive blow against the Empire, but Palpatine and his monstrous enforcer, Darth Vader, are no less of a threat. The brutal extermination of Alderaan not only demonstrated the magnitude of their murderous power, but served as a chilling testament to their resolve to crush the Rebel uprising. Standing against them, Skywalker, Solo, and the Princess remain uncertain opponents. Luke is gifted and brave, but unschooled in the power he possesses.

Scoundrels: Star Wars

Han Solo should be basking in his moment of glory. After all, the cocky smuggler and captain of the Millennium Falcon just played a key role in the daring raid that destroyed the Death Star and landed the first serious blow to the Empire in its war against the Rebel Alliance. But after losing the reward his heroics earned him, Han's got nothing to celebrate. Especially since he's deep in debt to the ruthless crime lord Jabba the Hutt. There's a bounty on Han's head - and if he can't cough up the credits, he'll surely pay with his hide. The only thing that can save him is a king's ransom. Or maybe a gangster's fortune?

Honor Among Thieves: Star Wars: Empire and Rebellion, Book 2

When the Empire threatens the galaxy’s new hope, will Han, Luke, and Leia become its last chance? When the mission is to extract a high-level rebel spy from the very heart of the Empire, Leia Organa knows the best man for the job is Han Solo - something the princess and the smuggler can finally agree on. After all, for a guy who broke into an Imperial cell block and helped destroy the Death Star, the assignment sounds simple enough.

Razor's Edge: Star Wars: Empire and Rebellion, Book 1

Times are desperate for the Rebel Alliance. Harassment by the Empire and a shortage of vital supplies are hindering completion of a new secret base on the ice planet Hoth. So when Mid Rim merchants offer much-needed materials for sale, Princess Leia Organa and Han Solo lead an Alliance delegation to negotiate a deal. But when treachery forces the rebel ship to flee into territory controlled by pirates, Leia makes a shocking discovery: The fierce marauders come from Leia's homeworld of Alderaan, recently destroyed by the Death Star.

Vision of the Future: Star Wars (The Hand of Thrawn): Book II

The Empire's master plan is under way. The New Republic is on the verge of civil war and the rumor that the legendary Admiral Thrawn has returned from the dead is rallying the Imperial forces. Now Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, Princess Leia, and their allies face the challenge of their lives. They must infiltrate a hidden fortress filled with Imperial fanatics, rendezvous with a double-dealing Imperial commander, and journey into enemy territory to learn the identity of those responsible for an act of unthinkable genocide. But most important of all is the truth about Thrawn.

Dark Disciple: Star Wars

In the war for control of the galaxy between the armies of the dark side and the Republic, former Jedi Master turned ruthless Sith Lord Count Dooku has grown ever more brutal in his tactics. Despite the powers of the Jedi and the military prowess of their clone army, the sheer number of fatalities is taking a terrible toll. And when Dooku orders the massacre of a flotilla of helpless refugees, the Jedi Council feels it has no choice but to take drastic action: targeting the man responsible for so many war atrocities, Count Dooku himself.

Crucible: Star Wars

When Han and Leia Solo arrive at Lando Calrissian’s Outer Rim mining operation to help him thwart a hostile takeover, their aim is just to even up the odds and lay down the law. Then monstrous aliens arrive with a message, and mere threats escalate into violent sabotage with mass fatalities. When the dust settles, what began as corporate warfare becomes a battle with much higher stakes - and far deadlier consequences. Now Han, Leia, and Luke team up once again in a quest to defeat a dangerous adversary bent on galaxy-wide domination.

Star Wars: Specter of the Past: The Hand of Thrawn, Book 1

The Empire stands at the brink of total collapse. But they have saved their most heinous plan for last. First a plot is hatched that could destroy the New Republic in a bloodbath of genocide and civil war. Then comes the shocking news that Grand Admiral Thrawn--the most cunning and ruthless warlord in history--has apparently returned from the dead to lead the Empire to a long-prophesied victory.

Lords of the Sith: Star Wars

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away.... When the Emperor and his notorious apprentice Darth Vader find themselves stranded in the middle of insurgent action on an inhospitable planet, they must rely on each other, the Force, and their own ruthlessness to prevail.

Heir to the Jedi: Star Wars

Luke Skywalker's game-changing destruction of the Death Star has made him not only a hero of the Rebel Alliance but a valuable asset in the ongoing battle against the Empire. Though he's a long way from mastering the power of the Force, there's no denying his phenomenal skills as a pilot--and in the eyes of Rebel leaders Princess Leia Organa and Admiral Ackbar, there's no one better qualified to carry out a daring rescue mission crucial to the Alliance cause.

Kenobi: Star Wars

Tatooine - a harsh desert world where farmers toil in the heat of two suns while trying to protect themselves and their loved ones from the marauding Tusken Raiders. A backwater planet on the edge of civilized space. And an unlikely place to find a Jedi Master in hiding, or an orphaned infant boy on whose tiny shoulders rests the future of a galaxy.

Star Wars: Millennium Falcon

Two years have passed since Jason Solo, seduced by the dark side and re-anointed as the brutal Sith Lord Darth Cadeus, died at the hands of his twin sister, Jaina, Sword of the Jedi. For a grieving Han and Leia, the shadow of their son's tragic downfall still looms large. But Jacen's own bright and loving daughter, Allana, offers a ray of hope for the future as she thrives in her grandparents' care.

Tarkin: Star Wars

He’s the scion of an honorable and revered family. A dedicated soldier and distinguished legislator. Loyal proponent of the Republic and trusted ally of the Jedi Order. Groomed by the ruthless politician and Sith Lord who would be Emperor, Governor Wilhuff Tarkin rises through the Imperial ranks, enforcing his authority ever more mercilessly…. and zealously pursuing his destiny as the architect of absolute dominion.

A New Dawn: Star Wars

For a thousand generations, the Jedi Knights brought peace and order to the Galactic Republic, aided by their connection to the mystical energy field known as the Force. But they were betrayed - and the entire galaxy has paid the price. It is the Age of the Empire. Now Emperor Palpatine, once Chancellor of the Republic and secretly a Sith follower of the dark side of the Force, has brought his own peace and order to the galaxy. Peace through brutal repression, and order through increasing control of his subjects’ lives.

Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, Book 3: The Last Command

Overwhelmed by the ships and clones at Thrawn's command, the Republic has one last hope: sending a small force, led by Luke Skywalker, into the very stronghold that houses Thrawn's terrible cloning machines. There a final danger awaits, as the Dark Jedi C'baoth directs the battle against the Rebels and builds his strength to finish what he had already started: the destruction of Luke Skywalker.

Aftermath: Star Wars: Journey to Star Wars: The Force Awakens

The second Death Star has been destroyed, the emperor killed, and Darth Vader struck down. Devastating blows against the Empire and major victories for the Rebel Alliance. But the battle for freedom is far from over. As the Empire reels from its critical defeats at the Battle of Endor, the Rebel Alliance - now a fledgling New Republic - presses its advantage by hunting down the enemy's scattered forces before they can regroup and retaliate. But above the remote planet Akiva, an ominous show of the enemy's strength is unfolding.

Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Outcast

After a violent civil war and the devastation wrought by the now-fallen Darth Caedus, the Galactic Alliance is in crisis and in need. From all corners, politicians, power brokers, and military leaders converge on Coruscant for a crucial summit to restore order, negotiate differences, and determine the future of their unified worlds. But even more critical, and far more uncertain, is the future of the Jedi.

Kir Kanos TN says:"This Series has Potential, but off to a slow start"

Star Wars: Dark Force Rising: The Thrawn Trilogy, Book 2

The dying Empire's most cunning and ruthless warlord - Grand Admiral Thrawn - has taken command of the remnants of the Imperial fleet and launched a massive campaign aimed at the New Republic's destruction. With the aid of unimaginable weapons long hidden away on a backwater planet, Thrawn plans to turn the tide of battle, overwhelm the New Republic, and impose his iron rule. Meanwhile, Han and Lando Calrissian race against time to find proof of treason inside the highest Republican Council.

Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi, Book 2: Omen

The Jedi Order is in crisis. The late Jacen Solo's shocking transformation into murderous Sith Lord Darth Caedus has cast a damning pall over those who wield the Force for good: Two Jedi Knights have succumbed to an inexplicable and dangerous psychosis, criminal charges have driven Luke Skywalker into self-imposed exile, and power-hungry Chief of State Natasi Daala is exploiting anti-Jedi sentiment to undermine the Order's influence within the Galactic Alliance.

Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Backlash

No greater threat exists than that which waits in the depths of the distant Maw Cluster: A being of pure, ravenous dark-side energy named Abeloth calls out across the stars to Jedi and Sith alike. For some it may be the ultimate source of answers crucial to their survival. For others it could be the ultimate weapon of conquest. But for all, it is a game-changingand life-altering encounter of untold magnitude and a tactical gambit with unimaginable consequences.

Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Abyss

Following a trail of clues across the galaxy, Luke Skywalker continues his quest to find the reasons behind Jacen Solo's dark downfall and to win redemption for the Jedi Order. Sojourning among the mysterious Aing-Tii monks has left Luke and his son Ben with no real answers, only the suspicion that the revelations they seek lie in the forbidden reaches of the distant Maw Cluster. There, hidden from the galaxy in a labyrinth of black holes, dwell the Mind Walkers.

Annihilation: Star Wars: The Old Republic, Book 4

The Sith Empire is in flux. The Emperor is missing, presumed dead, and an ambitious Sith lord’s attempt to seize the throne has ended fatally. Still, Darth Karrid, commander of the fearsome Imperial battle cruiser Ascendant Spear, continues her relentless efforts to achieve total Sith domination of the galaxy. But Karrid’s ruthless determination is more than matched in the steely resolve of Theron Shan, whose unfinished business with the Empire could change the course of the war for good. Though the son of a Jedi master, Theron does not wield the Force - but like his renowned mother, the spirit of rebellion is in his blood.

Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Apocalypse

In the stunning finale of the epic Fate of the Jedi series, Jedi and Sith face off - with Coruscant as their battlefield. For the Sith, it’s the chance to restore their dominance over the galaxy that forgot them for so long. For Abeloth, it’s a giant step in her quest to conquer all life everywhere. For Luke Skywalker, it’s a call to arms to eradicate the Sith and their monstrous new master once and for all. In a planetwide strike, teams of Jedi Knights take the Sith infiltrators by swift and lethal surprise.

Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Allies

What began as a quest for truth has become a struggle for survival for Luke Skywalker and his son, Ben. They have used the secrets of the Mindwalkers to transcend their own bodies and speak with the spirits of the fallen, risking their very lives in the process. They have faced a team of Sith assassins and beaten the odds to destroy them. And now the death squad’s sole survivor, Sith apprentice Vestara Khai, has summoned an entire fleet of Sith frigates to engage the embattled father and son.

Star Wars: X-Wing: Mercy Kill: A SW: X-Wing Novel

Three decades have passed since Wraith Squadron carried out its last mission. Taking on the most dangerous and daring operations, the rogues and misfits of the elite X-Wing unit became legends of the Rebellion and the Second Galactic Civil War, before breaking up and going their separate ways. Now their singular skills are back in vital demand - for a tailor-made Wraith Squadron mission. A powerful general in the Galactic Alliance Army, once renowned for his valor, is suspected of participating in the infamous Lecersen Conspiracy, which nearly toppled the Alliance back into the merciless hands of the Empire.

Publisher's Summary

Never before has the incendiary mix of action, politics, and intrigue that has become Timothy Zahn’s trademark, been more evident that in this new Star Wars epic. On the heels of the stunning events chronicled in Star Wars: A New Hope, the newly minted heroes of the Rebellion - fledgling Jedi Luke Skywalker, smuggler turned reluctant freedom-fighter Han Solo, and Princess Leia Organa, a bold leader with a world to avenge - must face the harsh realities of the cataclysmic conflict into which they have so bravely plunged. From this point forward, legends will grow, treachery will abound, and lives will be irrevocably altered, in the long, hard fight to counter the fist of tyranny and restore hope to a galaxy too long in darkness.

The destruction of the Death Star by the Rebel Alliance was a decisive blow against the Empire, but Palpatine and his monstrous enforcer, Darth Vader, are no less of a threat. The brutal extermination of Alderaan not only demonstrated the magnitude of their murderous power, but served as a chilling testament to their resolve to crush the Rebel uprising. Standing against them, Skywalker, Solo, and the Princess remain uncertain opponents. Luke is gifted and brave, but unschooled in the power he possesses. Han has doubts about waging someone else’s war - and his contentiousness is one more burden for Leia to bear as she struggles to help keep the Rebellion alive. The three have been sent to mediate a dispute between Rebel Alliance factions in Shelsha Sector - agitating matters by forcing Han to deal not only with pirates, but with his more dreaded enemy, politics. At the same time, Mara Jade - all of eighteen and years away from her fateful meeting with Luke - is serving her evil master, Palpatine, well in her role as the Emperor’s Hand: tracking suspected treachery in the Empire to what may be high places - while trying to stay out of Darth Vader’s way.

But the Rebels will prove to be only one of the Empire’s concerns. For Imperial Stormtrooper Daric LaRone, his faith in the Empire shaken by the wanton destruction of Alderaan, will commit a sudden and violent act of defiance, and take four other enforcers with him, in a desperate bid to elude their masters’ wrath.

Each of these fateful actions, whether sanctioned, secret, or scandalous, will expose brutality and corruption, spur upheavals destined to shake the Empire to its core, and shape momentous events yet to come.

While Random House is recording old Del Rey Star Wars novels, I'd like them to take a crack at I, Jedi, Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor, and the entire New Jedi Order series. Just saying.

Marc Thompson is what buying these adaptations are about in some cases. This is that case. The book makes a much better audiobook than print novel. It's kinda dry. It doesn't quite pull you in like its sequel, Choices of One does. Let's hope we see that one recorded soon. Still, they could have picked way worse books to do. Fair story. Excellent execution.

Zahn: Jade's character profile is written perfectly. The story is like an episode of NCIS. NCIS: Star Wars, lol!

Thompson: His performance of the men of the "Hand of Judgement". Especially his "Quiller" voice.

What other book might you compare Allegiance: Star Wars to and why?

None, but it's classic Zahn. Mara Jade begins to discover that the side she serves may not be on hers.

What does Marc Thompson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

As stated above, the voices. He brings those characters out of that book as if it were a pop-up. His overall mastery of the tone and approach to this story makes the narration sound darn near flawless.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Han and Leia's moment alone near the end of the story.

Any additional comments?

One tiny thing bothered me about the dialog Mr. Zahn chose when Leia addressed Han as "Han" and not "Captain Solo" or just "Captain". Keep in mind that the book is set in a time between A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back so Leia, not yet experiencing the defeat at Hoth and the pursuit of Darth Vader, hasn't begun to release her true feelings for Han on a personal level. She should still have the same vintage professional and studious approach towards Han that she had in dealing with Solo in A New Hope and not be addressing him as "Han" THAT many times in the novel. However, the scene where Leia gets jealous as Han speaks to a female rebel pilot at the beginning of the novel perfectly shows the vintage suppression of feelings and indifference in Han's attempts to frustrate her.

Where does Allegiance: Star Wars rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

top 5, as I mostly listen to Star Wars novels.

Who was your favorite character and why?

LaRone. He and the "Hand of Judgment" was my favorite part of the story.

If not him then Mara Jade, her arrogance is what pushes her to second because she hasn't earned her arrogance like, for instance, Vader.... Man if he were in the book as a core character he would be first cause.... Darth Vader!

Which scene was your favorite?

It's a tie between two scenes. 1) After LaRone wastes (more like takes out the garbage.) the ISB officer. 2) On board the Executor when Mara and Vader have there... discussion.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

Timothy Zahn always hits home runs with his Star Wars novels and he did it again. The only issue with this book is...... It's to short. I wanted more, i did read 'Choices of One' before i listened to this but i still wanted more. I also wanted more Vader but i completely understand him being a small cameo-esk character.

I believe this is Marc's first attempt at Vader but you couldn't tell as it's flawless. Its really difficult to capture James Earl Jones's voice without James Earl Jones.

Marc is second only to Johnathan Davis when it comes to voice actors of Vader, he surpasses him in every other Voice especially Luke's. I've been listening to Marc's Grand Master Luke for so long and his young Luke seems a perfect mix of Ben's and Luke's voices.

Great book, Great narrator, Great story, i'm amazed by this book. However my Favorite Timothy Zahn novel will forever be 'Heir to the Empire'. i guess i'm bias that way.

Would you consider the audio edition of Allegiance: Star Wars to be better than the print version?

I have both read and listened to Allegiance and I must admit that Marc Thompson made the journey extremely satisfying. I don't think it is fair to compare print vs. audio because they are different entities but I do find myself recommending the audio more often than the written word.

What about Marc Thompson’s performance did you like?

Marc Thompson was able to capture the voice and style of well known movie actors...not an easy task considering the fan base.

What made the experience of listening to Allegiance: Star Wars the most enjoyable?

Timothy Zahn is a can't miss in my eyes and ears. Simply the best! Marc Thompson is an awesome narrator! These storm troopers have a heart and brains.

What did you like best about this story?

The trio of Luke, Han and Leia after the destruction of the first Death Star. Also, getting to hear Mara Jade in action as the Emperor's Hand was too good to pass up, especially face to face with Darth Vader!

Marc Thompson as always is stellar in his narration, and the middle third in particular made the book hard to put down.

Any additional comments?

Its no spoiler to say Mara Jade makes an appearance in this book as a third of it is from her perspective, but the "missed other plot characters by inches" trope felt a little over done in this book, particularly to anyone who has read further in to the extended universe.

apart from that little gripe, a good book for any star wars or mark Thompson fan.

An excellent story from Mr Zahn, the plot twists and turns and winds its way around quite a few different parties, typically managing not to blur together. The production and performance are excellent, with John Williams' score and ambient sound effects used to greatly enhance the listening experience.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

It's set directly after the events of A New Hope. Some good characters and like the concept of a rebelling storm trooper unit but the story really doesn't go anywhere and just feels like its treading water.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Rosie

Australia

7/27/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Great Narration, Lousy Story"

***Spoilers***

I wanted to like this book, i really did, there is only 1 problem, i didn't. The story picks up shortly after Episode IV of Star Wars and has several stories going on at once. Probably the main story is about a band of Stormtroopers ( you know those evil guys in white armor we all loved to hate) well they decide to jump ship after an bizarre and contrived incident onboard their Star Destroyer to become some kind of roaving band of semi do gooders. Their characters are flat and lifeless through the entire book, they are not clones yet might as well be for the way they act. Mara Jade bounds about and instantly kicks everyone's butt she comes into contact with despite being little more than a kid. Zahn clearly loves his creation far better than any of the original Star Wars characters as she is pretty much unbeatable by anyone even Darth Vader ( yea right ) Luke, Han and Lea are all there but their characters are never developed or enhanced. The rest of the book is packed with 2 bit villans who come and go by the truck load.

This book Humanises the Stormtroopers far too much to the point where you start to feel for them and would like to sit down at a bar and have a beer or two, sorry but that's not the way I want to feel about Stormtroopers, they arn't supposed to be all Human and sympathetic, and heroic, they are the Empires evil crack troopes, something to be feared and hated. The rest of the book is a kind of rambling mixture of pirates and politics that really is of little interest and adds nothing much to the overall saga of Star Wars.

On the positive side the narrator was outstanding and all the voices very realistic, well done.

Narrator 5 out of 5

Story 2 out of 5

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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